Regional

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A task force has delivered its recommendations to Gov. Bill Richardson on how New Mexico and its tribes can work together to encourage economic development.

The task force's report addresses taxation, tourism, development opportunities in the green economy as well as participation in the film industry. The report also includes 27 recommendations that will be reviewed by the governor.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will join seven other governors next week at a summit in Washington, D.C. on creating jobs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation announced that Richardson will participate next Monday in the meeting organized by the business groups. Richardson's office confirmed Wednesday that he will attend.

By KRWG News

Texas – U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is proposing a new border security bill that would give local and state law enforcement a share of $300 million in grants to help secure the border.

The Texas Republican's Southern Border Security Assistance Act would give law enforcement within 100 miles of the border a crack at millions in extra funding for equipment and new officers.

By KRWG News

Juarez, Mexico – Gunmen stormed into a bar in the violent Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, dragged out eight people and killed them in the parking lot.

The massacre was the first of several shootings in Juarez on Wednesday that left 16 dead, including a man in a wheelchair.

In one incident, a car chase and shootout killed three people in front of an elementary school, creating a panic among students, teachers and parents.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – This Friday has been designated "No Phone Zone Day" by Congress to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has more

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The re-opening of Main Street in downtown Las Cruces may be in jeopardy due to a projected shortfall in the budget for the project. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has more

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The passage of an Arizona law to deal with illegal immigration is gaining some support in Texas. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The passage of an Arizona law to deal with illegal immigration is gaining some support in Texas. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

Silver City – Lance is back with his bike in New Mexico.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has returned to Silver City to compete this week in the Tour of the Gila stage race.

The event begins Wednesday with a 95-mile ride from Silver City to Mogollon.

Armstrong is riding in the Tour of the Gila for the second straight year with teammate Levi Leipheimer. They are joined by a third member of Team RadioShack, Jason McCartney.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Attorneys say Las Cruces will pay $100,000 in a settlement to end a wrongful death lawsuit a Las Cruces family filed against city police.

The family of 38-year-old Michael Molina sued after he was shot and killed by police on Dec. 26, 2006.

Officers were called to the residence after an apparent domestic dispute involving Molina and some family members.

Police say Molina was armed with a knife.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A newly appointed member of the State Investment Council is questioning whether New Mexico should be using one of the state's permanent funds to make interest-free loans to films.

Former state Sen. Leonard Lee Rawson of Las Cruces voiced his doubts Tuesday as the council decided to to temporarily extend a contract with a Hollywood lawyer to advise the state on film investments.

The contract with Peter Dekom will be extended through May while the council looks to hire a permanent film adviser.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The secretary of state's office is offering training for candidates and their campaign treasurers in how to use a new state computer system for campaign finance reports.

Secretary of State Mary Herrera announced the first training sessions will be Friday in Farmington at the San Juan Community College.

Other training will be provided next week in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Clovis.

By KRWG News

Texas – A Texas lawmaker says she plans to push for a law similar to Arizona's get-tough immigration measure.

Republican Rep. Debbie Riddle of Tomball tells the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle in Wednesday's editions that she'll introduce the measure in the January legislative session.

The new Arizona law would require local and state law enforcement to question people about their immigration status and make it a crime for immigrants to lack registration documents.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – Several gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups are pushing congress to outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Heavy mountain snowfall over the winter translated into a bountiful season for New Mexico ski areas. The ski industry reported a 23 percent increase in skier days during the just-completed season compared with the year before.

The state's ski areas also reported the most skier visits since the 2000-01 season. Ski New Mexico executive director George Brooks says the industry was hoping to hit 1 million skiers, but the final number came up just short of that 964,793.

Brooks says the national economy helped New Mexico.